Nectarine tree named &#39;Nectabelle&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘Nectabelle’, has fruits of very long shelf life withour alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No. 2008/0576 filed on Mar. 17, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘Nectabelle’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Prunus persica var. nucipersica yellow nectarine tree, which has been given the denomination ‘Nectabelle’. This tree, named ‘Nectabelle’, produces clingstone fruits of good eating quality for fresh market in early June in the 66—Pyrénées-Orientales departement—France. Contrast is made to ‘Nectaprima’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,583), ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented) and ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boom®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine trees, standard varieties, for reliable description. ‘Nectabelle’ is a promising candidate for commercial success in that it has an evenness of maturity, and produces regular fruits in large quantity and with a high productivity. It was chosen because of its hardiness and fruit lifetime before and after harvest, and because of its aromatic semi sweet taste.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

‘Nectabelle’ nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the south of France, in the 66—Pyrénées-Orientales departement—France where it was tested. This place is under a Mediterranean climate in a temperate area characterized by irregular and low precipitation with drought in summer, high temperatures all year long. The ‘Nectabelle’ variety was obtained by seedling. The male parent was ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree and the female parent was ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boom®) (non-patented) yellow nectarine tree. ‘Nectabelle’ was provisionally designated, tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, as 4N.12.65 NJ and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the Agriculture Ministry of the French Republic on Nov. 13, 2007 under number 1024461. It was obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock tree. It has been determined to have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy for commercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of the standard ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) rootstock on the scion cultivar. Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plant was reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, La Prade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in March at Perpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. More particularly, it generally blooms between February 28^(th) and March 10^(th), only one day earlier than ‘Nectaprima’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583).

The first fruit of ‘Nectabelle’ ripens in early June, at the same time than ‘Nectaprima’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,583) and ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented), its male parent. More particularly, it generally ripens between June 1^(st) and June 10^(th). Comparatively, the female parent ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boom®) (non-patented) ripens in July.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph which shows a twig bearing typical fruit specimens of the new variety, and leaves of the new variety.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph which shows single leaves; two whole fruit sufficiently mature for harvesting and shipment, and a third fruit cut in half for depicting the fruit flesh, the pit cavity and the stone of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph with reverse and size views of flowers of the new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of the new variety.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variations in soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition. The potential for commercial production of fresh fruit by ‘Nectabelle’ is high, due to its fruit early ripening, and fruit evenness of maturity.

Trees are vigorous and of medium stature, half-standing in a semi-spread to semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of the flowering shoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Flowering begins early in springtime. The type of flower is non-showy with small pink petals. Leaf glands are present and round. Time of maturity for consumption is early. The fruit flesh is yellow with a possible slight red pigmentation under the skin. Fruit skin color is an homogeneous bright dark red blush. Fruit taste is semi-sweet.

The ‘Nectabelle’ variety blooms and ripens at the same periods than the ‘Nectaprima’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583). However, the number of flowers on ‘Nectabelle’ trees, between 35 and 40 per meter, is smaller than the number of flowers on ‘Nectaprima’ trees, between 55 and 60. Consequently, the ‘Nectabelle’ allows a lighter and easier thinning. While ‘Nectaprima’ generally requires the thinning of 2 fruits on 3, ‘Nectabelle’ only requires the thinning of 1 fruit on 3. The ‘Nectabelle’ variety also produces bigger and firmer fruits than the ‘Nectaprima’ variety. ‘Nectabelle’ fruits are also generally tastier than ‘Nectaprima’ fruits. By producing bigger fruits while necessitating less thinning, the ‘Nectabelle’ variety is commercially very interesting over the ‘Nectaprima’ variety.

The new variety female parent, which is ‘Maillarboom’ (Big Boom®) (non-patented), comparatively ripens one month later than the new variety, has smaller fruits and insufficiently produces pollen of less quality.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘Maillarferarie’ (Flamerouge®) (non-patented), produces fruits that are more oblong and less firm than fruits of the new variety. However, ‘Maillarferarie’ trees have more flowers than the new variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. All observations have been done on rootstock cultivar. The rootstock was a ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented) tree. More particularly, observations relative to tree, trunk, branches, leaves and fruit were done in August 2008 on trees in their fifth growing season. Observations relative to flowers were done in March 2007 on trees in their fourth growing season. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree: -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered large. The tree size the first year             was approximately 280 cm. The tree was pruned during each             following dormant season to a height of approximately             250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 80 cm. The             tree size from the second year (second and next years)             reached a final height of 330 cm with current season shoots             length comprised.         -   Spread.—Approximately between 150 and 200 cm with a             cylindrical shape. The whole orchard was oriented to a             central leader organization, with tree lines spaced of 4.0             meters and trees spaced of 1.0 meter in a same tree line. As             a result, the orchard contains 2500 trees by hectare.         -   Vigour.—Generally vigorous.         -   Productivity.—Very Productive. Fruit set is spaced by             thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired             market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with             the prevailing climatic conditions, and cultural practices             employed during the bloom period, and is therefore not             distinctive of the present variety.         -   Bearer.—Very regular. Fruit set has been heavy during the             years of observation and thinning of 1 fruit on 3 was             necessary every year.         -   Form.—The ‘Nectabelle’ variety has naturally a semi-spread             to semi-upright shape.         -   Density.—Considered dense.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in             France. The variety appeared to be hardy under typical             central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.             Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling             requirement comprised between 350 and 1200 hours showed a             good behavior of the tree in all cases. Ascertained             temperatures as low as −12 degrees Celsius caused no damages             to the tree. The tree was also very resistant to frosty             springtime weather. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately between 7.0 and 8.0 cm in diameter             when measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm above the             soil level.         -   Bark texture.—Considered rough.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The lenticels             range in size from approximately 0.5 to 0.7 cm in width, and             from 0.2 to 0.3 cm in height.         -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey             color (varying from RHS Grey 201 D to RHS Black 202 D),             whereas the inside is considered brown (RHS Greyed Orange             166 B).         -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color (varying             from RHS Grey 201 C to RHS Black 202 C). -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Mature branches as well as current season shoots are             medium to thick for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.             The current season shoots have a diameter from 4.0 to 7.0             millimeters, and branches of trees have a diameter comprised             between 20.0 and 25.0 millimeters.         -   Surface texture.—Average, several years old wood has no             furrowed appearance.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but             the crotch angles are generally between 50 and 70 degrees             from the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is             not considered distinctive of the variety, however. -   Current season shoots:     -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Generally 25.0 to 35.0 millimeters.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199             A). -   Current seasons shoots:     -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light             yellow green (varying from RHS Yellow Green 144 A to RHS             Yellow Green 144 B) on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas             the upper part is colored in orange brown (varying from RHS             Greyed Orange 173 B to RHS Greyed Orange 173 D). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium to large for the species. Leaf             measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,             current-season growth at approximately mid-shoot. The ratio             leaf length/leaf width is around 4,17.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 144 to 172 millimeters with             petiole.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 33 to 39 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Small and acuminate. -   Leaf color:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).         -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).         -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined. -   Mid-vein:     -   -   Color.—Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 144 D to 144 C).         -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.         -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.         -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In             this last case, it is found one leaf of normal size with one             or two smaller leaves (size-reduction of 50% and more). -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Length.—About 8.0 to about 10.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 1.6 to about 2.1 mm.         -   Color.—Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 144 D to 144 C). -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Number.—Generally 2 glands on the leaf.         -   Type.—Round.         -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a             pale green (RHS Green 144 B). On older leaves, leaf glands             color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to 199 B). -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in             the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is             possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a             normal-size leaf and smaller ones. -   Flowers: -   Flower buds:     -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral             buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is             evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just             before blooming, floral buds are approximately 7.0             millimeters wide and approximately between 10.0 and 14.0             millimeters long. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity             to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of             the flowers buds, formed by sepals, is of purple-brown color             (varying from RHS Greyed Purple 183 A to Grey Brown Gray 199             A); the corolla, formed by petals, is generally of pink             color (RHS Red Purple 60 D). Petals color shows an evolution             until the end of flowering. The buds are considered hardy             under typical central Pyrénées Orientales departement             climatic conditions.         -   Hardiness.—No winter injury was noted during the last             several years of evaluation in the central Pyrénées             Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as low as             −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety has not             been intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress, but             the variety showed a very good resistance in orchard to             temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an average             temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks             in summer.         -   Date of bloom.—Generally early March. The first bloom was             observed on Mar. 1, 2004.         -   Blooming time.—Considered early-season in relative             comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in             the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of             full bloom is observed on March, more particularly between             February 28^(th) and March 10^(th). The date of bloom varies             slightly with climatic conditions and cultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 11 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a non-showy             type flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered small. Flower diameter at full bloom             is approximately 17.0 to about 20.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered average, approximately 35 to 40             flowers per meter.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per             node, occasionally 1. -   Petal size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered small to medium for the species.         -   Length.—Generally about 10.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Generally about 7.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Elongated with a rounded tip.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Dark Pink (RHS Red Purple 61 C to 61 D),             darkening with advancing senescence.         -   Fragrance.—Pronounced. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a             slighty rounded extremity.         -   Length.—Approximately 8.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 4.0 to 5.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally very slightly undulated. -   Petal apex:     -   -   Generally.—The petal apices are generally elongated with a             rounded tip. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered average.         -   Diameter.—Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 B to C). -   Floral nectaries:     -   -   Color.—A flat golden orange (approximately RHS Greyed Red             178 C to B). -   Calyx:     -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth and glabrous.         -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of             Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to 183 C) color. -   Sepals:     -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture.         -   Size.—Small.         -   Color.—A Brown Purple (RHS Greyed Purple 183 B to C).         -   Average number of stamens per flower.—Approximately 35 to 40             stamens per flower. -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Small in length.         -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed             Purple 178 A). Anthers are becoming yellow at maturity.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The             present variety is considered self fruitful             (self-pollinating). -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 7.0 to 11.0             millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally             superior to pistil's length.         -   Color.—Considered light pink (approximately RHS Red Purple             69 C to D). -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually 1.         -   Generally.—Small in size.         -   Length.—Approximately 12.0 to 16.0 millimeters including the             ovary; Smaller or equal to filament's length.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow             Green 150 D Group to RHS Yellow Green 151 D Group).         -   Surface texture.—The variety has a glabrous pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 3, 2004. The picking generally             occurs between June 1^(st) and June 10^(th) in normal             conditions. The date of harvest varies slightly with the             prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Date of last picking.—Jun. 14, 2004, only 2 harvests in 10             days were necessary. -   Size:     -   -   Generally.—Considered medium to large, and uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to 72.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 67.0 to 72.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately between 160.0 and 200.0 grams.             This characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the variety. -   Fruit form:     -   -   Generally.—Round. The fruit is generally uniform in             symmetry, viewed from pistil end.         -   Fruit suture.—Very shallow and smooth, extending from the             base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists             along the suture line. -   Suture:     -   -   Color.—This has generally a color similar to the whole fruit             color, a bright dark red (RHS Red 53 A). -   Ventral surface:     -   -   Form.—Smooth.         -   Apex.—Non-prominent, slightly depressed, very small.         -   Base.—Shallow.         -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about             1.0 cm. Average width is about 2.2 cm. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and very             tenacious to the flesh to tenacious to the flesh depending             on stage of maturity.         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Taste.—Semi-sweet.         -   Tendency to crack.—None observed. -   Color:     -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is generally a shiny dark red             (RHS Red 53 A). The red blush uniformly covers from 80% to             100% of the fruit skin surface.         -   Ground color.—Non-shiny Dark Red (RHS Red 53 A).         -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 8.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.         -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B). -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenous, long shelf-life of the             fruit.         -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, juicy at harvest maturity             stage.         -   Fibers.—No fibers.         -   Aroma.—Pronounced.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and spicy.         -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is generally             superior to 13.0 degrees. Acidity is comprised between 6 and             9 meq/100 ml. The flavor is considered spicy. The flesh is             juicy.         -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.         -   Brix.—Generally superior to 13.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per             tree, the prevailing cultural practices and the surrounding             climatic conditions and can be comprised between 11.0 and             13.0 degrees.         -   Flesh color.—Generally Yellow Orange (RHS Yellow Orange 16 B             to C) with a possible slight red pigmentation under the             fruit skin (RHS Red 42 B to C). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.         -   Length.—Approximately 33.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Approximately 27.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Approximately 22.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Elliptic.         -   Base.—Straight. -   Apex:     -   -   Shape.—The stone apex has a small sharp tip.         -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium size, with an elliptic-form             and dimensions corresponding to stone's dimensions. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its             entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.             The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is prominent             generally and present basally.         -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by             more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more             prominent at the apical tip. -   Ventral edge:     -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of             approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture. -   Dorsal edge:     -   -   Shape.—Grooved.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally             considered a light brown (RHS Greyed Orange 164 C to D).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent or very low,             depending on climatic conditions between blooming period and             stone hardening. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.         -   Length.—About 17.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—About 11.0 millimeters.         -   Thickness.—About 6.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Considered oblate and elliptic.         -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.         -   Color.—The kernel skin is brown-orange (RHS Greyed Orange             167 D) with darker brown-orange streaks (RHS Greyen Orange             167 C). The almond is cream-white (RHS Orange Chite 159 D).             The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit             maturity.         -   Use.—The subject variety ‘Nectabelle’ is considered to be a             nectarine tree of the early season of maturity, and which             produces fruit that are considered very firm, attractively             colored. Fruits are excellent for uncooked consumption,             crunchy or at full maturity. Due to their flesh quality,             firmness and density, they can also be commercialized as             4^(th) range product (packed fruit or fruit in bags for             example). And they are also useful for both local and very             long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit stayed a little more than             one week on tree before harvest and then, has stored well             more than 4 weeks after harvest at 2.0 degree Celsius. They             have a slow maturation and a long shelf life both on the             tree after growth completion and after harvesting without             alteration.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruit of the new             nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or             skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and             packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during             harvest and packing and its long shelf life without             alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4 weeks shipping             at 2 degrees Celsius.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. Under our climatic conditions,             favourable to powdery mildew, and with few treatments, the             present variety has not been shown to be very sensitive to             powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and decay due to             its thick and strong skin. No bacteriostatic substances were             applied, and no symptom was observed. Although the new             variety of nectarine tree possesses the described             characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions             prevailing near the town of Elne, France, it should be             understood that variations of the usual magnitude and             characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,             fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural             management are to be expected. 

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree as illustrated and described, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very high percentage of red blush. 